Hunter

Bigge

Rodríguez is likely to miss most of all of 2026 after Tommy John surgery in August, but everyone else here should be good to go in the spring. That includes McClanahan, who underwent surgery to address his nerve issues in August.

This is a procedural move since Gerber has already thrown 26 2/3 innings at Triple-A this season, but he was not on the 40-man roster and had an opt-out. The Rays have now added him to the 40-man and moved Hunter Bigge from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL to make space.

Bigge never lost consciousness and is believed to have avoided the most concerning potential outcomes after being struck in the face by a 105-mph line drive while watching Thursday’s game against the Orioles from the dugout. The 27-year-old reliever has been on the injured list since early May recovering from a right lat strain. There is obviously no timetable for his return at the moment.

Cash also noted that Bigge was caught by Steve Chase, the team’s strength coach, who made sure that Bigge’s head did not hit the ground when he fell. The team’s assistant athletic trainer, Aaron Scott, also tended to him immediately. He’s still undergoing testing, which is expected to continue into the night. Expect the Rays to have another update on his status on Friday.

The entire game came to a halt with all players on both teams shaken and concerned as they tended to the 27-year-old right-hander. Ultimately, they had to stabilize his neck and carried him off the field on a stretcher. Bigge was alert and gave a thumbs up to the crowd as he was carried off. He’ll likely head to the hospital for further evaluation. Expect the Rays to provide an update on his status as soon as more information becomes available.

Bigge was supposed to pitch out of the bullpen for Durham on Friday, but will now take some time to rest and hope his lat responds from there.

Although he was initially cut in spring training, Bigge was recalled prior to Opening Day, a result of Shane McClanahan’s injury, and had since amassed a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings of relief work, primarily in low-leverage situations. Cole Sulser will take his spot in the pen.

Bigge gets the nod to take Shane McClanahan’s spot on the roster as expected, with McClanahan on the IL due to his triceps injury. Bigge will be a multi-inning option for Tampa Bay to begin the campaign.

There’s no timetable as to when McClanahan will be able to return, but reports indicate that the injury isn’t believed to be a long-term setback. Hunter Bigge was recalled from Durham to take McClanahan’s spot on the roster.

Bigge was optioned to Triple-A by the Rays on Saturday, but with Shane McClanahan (triceps) hitting the injured list, Bigge will be a multi-inning option for the Tampa Bay pitching staff to begin 2025.